Question
When newborns exhibit symptoms such as facial twitches, neck contraction, clenched fists, straightened tiny feet, and a flushed face during gas and bowel movements, and they also expel a small amount of stool, how should one handle the situation?
Answer
Based on the aforementioned symptoms, the baby may be experiencing constipation. Constipation is often due to insufficient fiber and water intake in the diet, leading to a slowdown in intestinal peristalsis. It is recommended to increase the baby’s water intake and consume more vegetables rich in fiber, such as celery and chives, as well as spinach and bok choy, which are rich in folic acid and help promote bowel movement. Additionally, providing the baby with clockwise abdominal massage can also help improve constipation.